Without question this is a long-term project. This tree was growing in a tub in my back garden for many years and had been really neglected. For some time now I have considered potting it up with a view to a bonsai so last season I pruned off all the straggly growth almost back to the trunk to promote back budding. I achieved modest success although there are a number of new shoots starting to emerge this year already.

I decided to completely bare root the tree and as there were plenty of roots I removed as many ugly and crossing roots as I thought was safe. The whole process took over an hour and I was ready for a sit down afterward.

I have buried all the roots to give the tree its best chance of surviving. The future will allow me to expose more of the nebari.

I have a couple of large plastic trays that are ideal for large stumps and this tree was just the right candidate so in she went after I had drilled plenty of drainage holes.

A long way to go but it will be interesting to see the progress, if any, in the coming growing season.